Salmonella Poisoning (Salmonellosis) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

How is salmonellosis diagnosed?

Salmonellosis is
diagnosed based on a medical history and a physical exam. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, foods you have
recently eaten, and your work and home environments. A stool culture and blood
tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

How is it treated?

You treat salmonellosis by
managing any complications until it passes.
Dehydration caused by diarrhea is the most common
complication. Antibiotics are not usually needed unless the infection has
spread.

To prevent dehydration, take frequent sips of a
rehydration drink (such as Pedialyte). Try to drink a
cup of water or rehydration drink for each large, loose stool you have. Soda and fruit juices have too much
sugar and not enough of the important
electrolytes that are lost during diarrhea, and they
should not be used to rehydrate.

Try to stay with your usual diet
as much as possible. Eating your usual diet will help you to get enough
nutrition. Doctors believe that eating a normal diet will also help you feel
better faster. But try to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Also
avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee for 2 days after all symptoms have
disappeared.

How can you prevent salmonellosis?

To prevent
salmonellosis:

Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs. Raw eggs
may be used in some foods such as homemade hollandaise sauce, Caesar and other
salad dressings, tiramisu, homemade ice cream, homemade mayonnaise, cookie
dough, and frostings.

Cook foods until they are well done. Use a
meat thermometer to be sure foods are cooked to a safe temperature. Do not use
the color of the meat (such as when it is no longer "pink") to tell you that it
is done.

Wash your
hands before handling any food and between handling different food items.

Do not prepare food or pour water for others when you have
salmonellosis.

Wash your hands after contact with animal feces.
Since reptiles are particularly likely to carry salmonella bacteria, wash your
hands immediately after handling them. Consider not having reptiles (including
turtles) as pets, especially if you have small children or an infant.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 14, 2014

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.